The West Elk Patriots will kick off the 2023 Fall Homecoming celebration with a bonfire in the south parking lot on Thursday, September 28, at 8 p.m. Community members are welcome to come and show their school spirit. On Friday, September 29, at 3 p.m., the homecoming parade will take place on Wabash in front of Family Market. The West Elk Booster Club will begin serving its annual Tailgate Supper at 5:30 p.m. At 7 p.m., the West Elk Patriot football team will host the Mustangs of Flinthills. Finally, the homecoming ceremony and coronation will take place at the conclusion of the football game.
Homecoming candidates include: for Queen: Makalia Gilliespie, Chrissy Hare, Kodi Harshman and Savannah Stroot; and for King: Tyler Moore, Christian Winter, Martin Shipley and Evan Coble.
The kindergarten attendants are: Lucy Pope, daughter of Katelyn and Jerrad Pope of Howard and Flint Pope, son of Jeni and Heath Pope of Severy.
Pictured above from left to right are: back row: Shipley, Coble, Winter and Moore; front row: F. Pope, Harshman, Stroot, Hare, Gillespie and L. Pope.
This year’s theme is “We Got The Beat,” with the homecoming song being “You’re Gonna Miss This” by Trace Adkins. During the week, students at West Elk will participate in Spirit Days including: Tuesday, September 26 – “Money Changes Everything” by Cyndi Lauper: dress Classy; Wednesday, September 27 – “Pink” by Lizzo: dress like Barbie and Ken; Thursday, September 28 – “California Dreamin’” by the Beach Boys: dress Hawaiian; and Friday, September 29 – “We are the Champions” by Queen: wear Red, White & Blue Day.
A student council Homecoming Dance for all eligible West Elk students in grades nine - 12 will take place in the gym after the homecoming ceremony, until 11 p.m.
Kodi Harshman
Kodi Harshman, daughter of Stacy Harshman of Howard and Spencer Harshman of Elmdale, is involved in Basketball, FFA, FCA, Math Team, Patriot Publications, Student Council and West Elk Play Productions. After graduation, she plans to work on the ranch with her dad; get the AQHA, and raise cutting bred ranch horses. Savannah Stroot
Savannah Stroot, daughter of Sheri and Wade Patteson of Moline, is involved in Cross Country, Cheer, Softball, Student Council, FFA, FCA, FCCLA, FBLA, Forensics, Scholars Bowl, Math Team, Patriot Publications, West Elk Play Production and National Honor Society. After graduation, she plans to attend the University of Georgia majoring in Political Science and then Law School to become a lawyer.
Chrissy Hare
Chrissy Hare, daughter of Shelly and Chris Hare of Severy, is involved in FFA, FCA, Cheer,and Softball. Following graduation, she plans to cheer at Independence Community College majoring in Cosmetology.
Makaila Gilliespie
Makaila Gilliespie, daughter of Katha and Joel Richardson of Moline and Tim Gillespie of Howard, is involved in Volleyball, Basketball, Softball and FCA. After graduation, she plans to attend Butler County Community College to obtain a business degree.
Martin Shipley
Martin Shipley, son of Jessica Shipley of Grenola and Stephen Shipley of Sedan, is involved in FCA, FCCLA, Football and Basketball. After graduation, he plans to go to college majoring in sports medicine.
Evan Coble
Evan Coble, son of Laurie and Robert Coble of Severy, is involved in FFA, Math Team, Football, Wrestling and Track. His future plans are unknown at this time.
Christian Winter
Christian Winter, son of Kerry Harrod of Howard and Chad Winter of Andale, is involved in Football, FFA, FCA and Ranch Bronc Riding. He plans to attend Missouri Welding Institute after graduation.
Tyler Moore
Tyler Moore, son of Chelise and Travis Barton of Moline, is involved in FFA, FCA, Student Council, Math Team, Football, Baseball and West Elk Play Productions. After graduation he plans to attend Oklahoma State University.
